Frequently Asked Questions

Brow Frequently Asked Questions:

*IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR NURSING YOU CAN NOT BE TATTOOED*

Do you Microblade?

NO! Bree does not offer microblading anymore. This technique is not suitable for most skin types, has more trauma on the skin, and doesn’t have great healed results. All our artist at the studio offer the best and most up to date cosmetic tattooing to ensure you the best, longest-lasting and natural-looking results.

What is the difference between Microblading and Powder brows?

Microblading creates hair-like strokes by implanting pigment with a scalpel-like hand tool which has a series of needles attached at the tip.

Powder Brow Tattoos are a more traditional method of cosmetic tattooing in which a tattoo machine is used. When properly applied, using a dilution solution, eyebrows look soft and natural, contrary to a “magic marker” brow look. More pigment is implanted than with microblading and color boosts are usually needed in 2 years. This technique is for those that want more of a powdery looking, filled brow. It is ideal for most skin types and ages.

How long does it take?

For the first session, the entire procedure should take about 2 hours. During this session, a detailed mapping process takes place to draw the ideal shape for the clients face shape and features. We then follow with pigment color selection. Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin the procedure.

The client is to come in for a follow up visit in order to have any minor necessary touch ups. The second session takes place after 8-12 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.

How long does it take to heal?

The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure and color will appear very dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The color will fade by up to 30-40% as it heals. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you will notice slight scabbing and/or flaking. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the tattooed area. The eyebrows will lighten up in color as it heals. No down time is required after tattoo procedure. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You'll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.

Is the touch up session necessary?

Yes! A touch up session after 8 -12 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcome will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment color may need to be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added. Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your brows to ensure it looks perfect and retains the color for the whole year!

Can I get my touch up session sooner than 8 weeks?

Touch up sessions should not be done earlier than 6 weeks after initial session as pigment color has not fully settled into the skin. Most importantly, this is to prevent scar damage as the tissue requires time to completely heal.

Is it painful?

The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. During your procedure I apply a topical anesthetic to the brows after the first pass and skin is open to numb the area, although for optimal results I suggest to not use any numbing agent for it can affect how the pigment is deposited. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine.

After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.

How long does it last?

Cosmetic tattooing typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid with fade faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the brows looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 9-18 months. Clients can let the area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.

What are the pre-care procedures?

In order to achieve the best results, it is best to follow the pre and post care instructions. Prior to your procedure, clients are advised of the following:

NO CAFFEINE OR alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 72 hours.
Avoid tanning so we can assess your natural skin tone.
No face scrubs or chemical peels at least two weeks prior.
No retinol for at least 3 months prior to your appointment.

What are the post-care procedures?

For 10-14 days please follow these instructions. Every morning and night before bed, you will gently wash the brow area with a fragrance free antibacterial hand soap, dove bar soap or cleanser designated by your technician. Then you will apply a thin layer of aftercare balm, that will be purchased from your technician, on your clean and completely dry brow area. Make sure to apply a light layer of healing balm morning and night to brows for at least 10 days.

Do not over apply healing balm.
Do not immerse brow area in water for 14 days. When showering, make sure to avoid face area. When cleaning or washing face, make sure to avoid brows and clean around it.
Do not put makeup on the brow area for a minimum of 10 days. Tattooed area is an open wound, using makeup may cause infections.
Avoid alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 24 hours.
Brow area will feel slightly itchy as it heals and will start to lightly scab over. Do not peel or pick at the scabs as this can affect the outcome and pigmentation.
Do not go swimming, tanning or into saunas for at least 14 days.
No exercising or heavy sweating for the first week.
No face scrubs or chemical peels at least 2 weeks after.
Your Botox appointment must be 2 weeks BEFORE or 2 weeks AFTER your appointment.

Who is not suitable for the procedure?

Cosmetic tattooing is not suitable for the following candidates:

Using Accutane.
Have heart conditions or using heart medications.
Have diabetes (will require a physician's note).
Have skin disease or irritations.
Have used topical creams that contain retin-A, retinoids, glycolic/salicylic acid, or acne medications in the last 90 days.
Have had Botox in the last 2 weeks.
Have gotten a deep tan or chemical peels in the last 2 weeks.
Allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine.
Anyone who has any serious medical conditions may require a physician's note.

*We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who we deem not suitable for this procedure or for any other reason.

Risks and complications?

We take all proper precautions for a safe session by using sterilized equipment, new needles and in a sanitized environment. Should clients follow our pre and post care instructions, there should be minimal risks or complications. Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. We suggest a pigment patch test for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:

Topical makeup products.
Gold, silver and nickel.
Hair dyes.
Patch tests should be performed 5-7 days prior.

What if I do not like it?

As with all cosmetic procedures, individuals should not make their choices lightly. We always recommend clients do their research, understand the procedure and compare different artists' work and portfolio when making their decisions. Our brow technicians will do their utmost to shape and style the eyebrows to the clients satisfaction prior to the procedure. Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Uneven appearance can be fixed during the touch up session. Pigment discoloration and color correction can also be fixed during the the touch up session. Brows will eventually fade away if no additional touch ups are done.

Lash Enhancement Frequently Asked Questions:

What is lash enhancement?

A tattoo of your lashline, not the waterline, nor the eyelid, but directly where your lashes grow. It created an effect of darker and fuller eyelashes. It gives a natural finished look and makes your eyes pop!

What is the healing process?

There's a week long dry heal. Some puffiness can be normal for right after and the following days. Unless one has extremely sensitive eyes and they experience more than the usual puffiness or redness, it shouldn't affect normal day-to-day activities.

Can I wear contact lenses?

If you wear contact lenses- you will need to remove them prior to the procedure. You may reapply them after, but eyes might be somewhat sensitive so it’s encouraged to bring eyewear.

How long does the procedure last?

Each lash enhancement appointment takes approximately 2.5 hours. Kindly send over a clear, well lit photo of your eyes to get pre approved for these services. Email browsbybree1@gmail.com or send a DM through the Instagram or FB page.

What do I need to know before booking?

No fake lashes - they have to be removed at least 2 weeks prior to the appointment and can’t be put back on till 2 weeks after the touch up.
No lash serums for at least one month before.
No lash lifts/tints at least 10 days prior, and must wait 2 weeks after touch up.
No Blepharitis (eyelid infection, usually caused by poor makeup removal habits and falsies).
Eye surgery needs a min of 6 months before tattoo.
- But surgery on the actual eye itself needs a note from doctor.

What is the aftercare like?

We recommend on a dry healing method (until the scabs are gone - usually it takes about one week, might be longer for some, but generally about that time).

Day 1- may be some swelling by end of day. Clients may apply ice over a clean cloth, but not directly on skin.

Day 2- may be some swelling, but should go down by the end of this day or the next.

Day 3- skin may feel dry, this is normal. Light layer of squash or may be applied, but very carefully and not in excess.

Day 4 and onward- continue to keep area dry and free of makeup/products until scabs are gone (no sauna, pools, sunbathing, do not peel scabs).

Between appointments, be careful not to use creams/products that contain acids or ingredients that will lighten or exfoliate the skin.

Lip Blushing Frequently Asked Questions:

What is lip blushing?

It is a lip tattoo that enhances and defines your lips. It can help enhance and even out natural color, or add color if you are lacking any pigment. Your lips will look darker and more like lipstick on the first day, and soften as they heal to become a subtle, natural looking lip tint. Apply a little gloss or balm and your lips are perfectly kissable!

How long does it last?

Results will always vary from person to person, after your initial session and the touch up, your results should last between 2-5 years. Additional touch ups may be required depending on the person and look desired. Permanent makeup ink is not the same as body art ink, and by design it does not last as long as body art ink.

What should I expect?

There will be moderate swelling, redness and bruising for the first 5 days.
Apply a Ziploc bag filled with water and ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is scabbing or flaking, do not pick, and allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own.
Expect the color to eventually lighten by up to 40% once the healing process is complete.
Color may appear uneven at different stages of healing. Be patient. This is a process that does not yield immediate results.

Does it hurt?

Pain levels vary from person to person. Strong medical grade topical anesthetic cream is used before and during your procedure to keep you as pain free as possible.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes about 2 hours. The consolation and prep work take a good portion of that time. I want to make after we have discussed your concerns and I've drawn out a shape that we are both on the same page before I start the procedure. Once we are both happy I will apply numbing cream for 20-30 minutes then we will start the process. During that time the non toxic ink can get in your mouth which doesn't taste the best, but is ingestible and non toxic.

Will I still have to wear lipstick? And can other colors still look the same on?

This is up to the look each individual is trying to achieve. The colors I tattoo with are natural and intended to look very natural. We can certainly enhance your natural color or add color if your lacking, or add a specific tint that your looking for, but it remains soft and natural. That way when you do decide to change it up and want to wear lipstick it will still look great over top, and can cover you tattoo with whatever color we decide to use.

Can lip blushing be done on everyone?

Lip blushing is not for everyone. Please read the contraindications carefully. If any of the following apply to you, this procedure is not recommended. If you have previous cosmetic tattooing, send an email (before booking) .

You are a smoker (pigment may not retain properly, colors may distort).
If you have a history of MRSA.
You have psoriasis in the treatment area.
You have an auto-immune disease.
You have thyroid/graves disease (medication may cause pigment to not retain properly).
You have anemia (pigment may not retain properly).
You have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
You are currently undergoing chemotherapy.
You are pregnant or nursing (You cannot have this service. No exceptions).
You have Diabetes type 1 or 2 (due to slow healing and infection, color may or may not retain well).
If you are under a doctor’s care and have questions at ALL about being able to have this procedure, it is your responsibility to meet with your doctor and get written approval.
If you are prone to cold sores, please see instructions below.

Please note.... even if none of the above apply, lip blushing cannot be guaranteed. This is a cosmetic tattooing procedure, the skin can be unpredictable, it is up to your skin to retain the pigment. Generally, results are successful, however, due to skin type, healing or bleeding during procedure, some results can differ.

General Precautions

If you are prone to cold sores, lip tattooing can cause outbreaks, which can result in loss of pigment. We ask that our clients take their prescribed anti-viral medication starting 48 hours prior to their appointment and after the procedure to prevent outbreak. You can still have lip blushing done! We just want to ensure you get the best results possible. Consult with your doctor for any additional questions. If you have an outbreak, or any other type of scratch/acne we ask that you reschedule your appointment as soon as possible. If you show up with any type of outbreak your appointment is considered cancel and you forfeit your deposit.

How do I prepare for my treatment?

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, vitamin E, niacin, or drink excessive alcohol at least 48 hours prior to and after your procedure.
Do not take any prescription blood thinners at least 48 hours prior to and after your procedure.
Discontinue any vitamin A skin care products (Retin-A, retinols) close to the enhancement area at least two weeks prior to your procedure. I recommend not using these products over or around the tattooed area after you receive your cosmetic tattoo. It could cause fading and distortion of color.
Discontinue use of AHA (chemical exfoliation) skin care products close to the area to be tattooed at least one week prior to your procedure.
No laser or electrolysis on or around the treatment area one week prior to procedure.
No Botox or fillers in the procedure area less than 2 weeks prior.
Plan trips or events a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. Due to unwanted elements Limit the amount of caffeine you consume the morning of your appointment.
Do not have any chemical peels, dermabrasions, mesotherapy, or any other intense treatments which will cause faster skin cell rejuvenating and cause skin irritation 3-4 weeks before procedure.
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure.
It is highly recommended that you avoid sun and tanning bed exposure for 30 days before and after your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your booking fee. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.
Bring in your favorite lip color if you have a specific color your wanting to achieve.
If you have existing cosmetic tattooing you need to contact me BEFORE booking your appointment.